The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) has announced the 45 recipients of the 2024 Achievement Awards, which recognizes excellence in local government programs. Botetourt County is being recognized for the BOCO Facts4U initiative (www.botetourtva.gov/817/BOCO-Facts-4-U).
The BOCO Facts 4U page was created in March 2024 to correct misinformation spread through the grapevine and via social media in the county. The county appreciates its residents who seek truth over false information shared throughout our community and believe that great discussions of county issues must be based on facts and not assumptions, innuendo, or false narratives.
The Botetourt County Office of Communications led this initiative to control rumors and false claims. They began by researching what other localities were doing and reached out to counterparts in Salisbury, N.C., who had launched a rumor control website. After discussing their successes and potential pitfalls, Communications Director Tiffany Bradbury recommended launching a similar site for Botetourt County to county administration and elected officials.
The goal of the page is not to address every rumor but to focus on issues brought up by numerous individuals. Recognizing the importance of effective public engagement, especially in an era where misinformation is easily accessible and spreads at the click of a button, the county is committed to providing accurate information to our residents, businesses, and visitors. Botetourt County administration takes pride in its efforts to showcase Botetourt County as an exceptional place to live, work, play and giveback.
Read the full awards submission at www.vaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BotetourtBOCOFacts4U.pdf.
VACo received 145 submissions from governmental organizations throughout the Commonwealth.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
